Physiology

by M. (Michael) Foster

"Physiology" by Sir M. Foster is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The book serves as an introduction to the fundamental concepts of physiology, focusing on the workings of the human body and how it functions, emphasizing the importance of practical observation in its study. The opening of the book introduces the fundamental questions about warmth and movement in living creatures, suggesting that all animals, including humans, are warm and capable of motion due to internal processes that are likened to machinery. The author encourages readers to explore these concepts by examining the structure of bodies, highlighting the necessity of hands-on observation, such as dissecting simple animals like a rabbit and a sheep's heart, to understand the complexities of bodily functions. Foster underlines the simplicity of physiological principles while also acknowledging their vast underlying phenomena, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the topics of movement, warmth, and ultimately, the intricate systems that support life.